How Manchester United Ended Athletic Club’s Perfect Home Record in the Europa League

Manchester United earned a commanding lead in their UEFA Europa League (UEL) semi-final with a dominant 3-0 win against Athletic Club, emphatically ending the hosts’ 100% home record in the competition. The Red Devils delivered a confident and clinical performance at San Mamés, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg.

"Manchester United stun Athletic Club with a 3-0 victory in Bilbao, taking control of their Europa League semi-final tie."

The final will also be held at Estadio San Mamés, and Manchester United made their intentions clear—they plan to return for it. Alejandro Garnacho found the net early on, but his goal was disallowed after a marginal offside call. That moment didn’t shake Athletic, who responded quickly. Álex Berenguer tested the visitors with a dangerous shot that was palmed wide, and his follow-up cross nearly resulted in a goal as Iñaki Williams’ header went just over the bar.

Casemiro played a pivotal role in defense and midfield, rescuing United moments before Victor Lindelöf stepped up with two critical blocks to deny Berenguer and Williams again.

United's breakthrough came thanks to an unexpected attacking contribution from Harry Maguire. Playing out of position as a winger, Maguire twisted Mikel Jauregi inside out before sending a perfect cross into the box. Manuel Ugarte connected with a header, flicking it on for Casemiro to finish at the back post—giving United the lead.

The match spiraled further out of control for Athletic when Dani Vivian brought down Rasmus Højlund in the penalty area, resulting in a straight red card and a penalty. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and coolly slotted the ball home, doubling United’s advantage. Just three minutes after Athletic made a double substitution in the 42nd minute, Fernandes struck again with a composed finish, effectively silencing the home crowd.

Before halftime, Noussair Mazraoui came close to pulling one back for Athletic with a thunderous strike that rattled the crossbar. Despite this scare, United entered the break firmly in control.

After the restart, the Red Devils chose patience over pressure, content to manage the game as Athletic's frustrations grew. A speculative long-range effort from Ugarte after the hour mark marked the hosts’ first meaningful attempt of the second half, but United remained unshaken, continuing their professional performance.

With a 3-0 advantage and a clean sheet away from home, Manchester United are now firm favorites to reach the final and chase European silverware once again.